Résumé
Datura stramonium L. is a species from the Solanaceae family. Depending on the region, it has different names like “thorn apple”, “jimson weed” or “devil’s trumpet”. This species contains tropane alkaloids, making it toxic for human consumption. Atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine have the highest concentration in Datura stramonium. In this thesis, we are going to study the pharmacologic mechanisms of these tropane alkaloids found in Datura stramonium to understand its effects on human health. Although the whole plant is toxic, the seeds contain the highest concentration of tropane alkaloids in the adult plant. Atropine and scopolamine are the botch used in modern medicine for their pharmacological effects. Lately, a lot of cases of food poisoning have been reported to the ARS after consumption of food tainted by Datura stramonium. The awareness concerning this plant needs to be reinforced to avoid these situations. Datura stramonium can also be used for recreative purposes for its psychotropic effects. The concentration of tropane alkaloids varies from a plant to another, making these psychotropic effects unpredictable. The secondary effects can result into an intoxication sometimes followed by a hospitalization. These psychotropic aspects can also be used for criminal use. The use of Datura stramonium is also found around the world in traditional medicine based on empiric effects but is also tested in studies on animals for its potential medical properties.